The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, Lancaster

About The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy in Lancaster is a museum dedicated to exploring the struggle for freedom and equality in America through the lives of two remarkable figures. Visitors explore 16 exhibition galleries featuring immersive audio-visual experiences and artifact displays that examine how Stevens, a powerful congressman, and Smith, his household manager and confidante, influenced the nation's path toward equality before, during, and after the Civil War. The galleries present the constitutional amendments Stevens championed—the 13th, 14th, and 15th—and Smith's role as a successful businesswoman navigating prejudice as a mixed-race property owner. The Center offers timed, self-guided access to the galleries, with educational programs and classes available beyond the core exhibits. Tickets are sold online through the Center's website. Located in downtown Lancaster, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages and accessibility levels.